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2014年01月20日
東京都知事選 五輪返上論はどこまで本気か
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 18, 2014
Is Hosokawa serious about his call for Tokyo to decline hosting Olympics?
東京都知事選 五輪返上論はどこまで本気か（1月18日付・読売社説）
It is meaningful to discuss the issue of nuclear energy in Tokyo, which consumes a massive amount of electricity, but it is unreasonable to exploit an election for the denuclearization movement.
電力の大消費地である東京で原発問題を議論するのは有意義だが、「脱原発」運動に選挙を利用するのは筋違いだ。
Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa, who has expressed his intention to run in the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election, is drawing public attention.
東京都知事選に出馬する意向を表明した細川護熙・元首相の動向が耳目を集めている。
Hosokawa has made an antinuclear agenda his main campaign pledge, saying, “I’m concerned that the issue of nuclear power determines the nation’s fate.” He is backed by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who advocates immediately breaking with nuclear power.
細川氏は、「原発の問題は国の存亡に関わるという危機感を持っている」と強調し、脱原発を前面に掲げた。原発即時ゼロを唱える小泉元首相が支援する。
Both Hosokawa and Koizumi enjoyed high cabinet approval ratings as prime minister. They are adopting election tactics that seek to make the most of the wide public popularity they once enjoyed.
細川、小泉両氏は、いずれも首相時代、内閣支持率が高かった。かつての国民的人気をあてにした選挙戦術である。
The Tokyo metropolitan government is certainly a major shareholder of Tokyo Electric Power Co. Yet, 50.1 percent of TEPCO shares are owned by the government’s Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund, which aims to resume operation of the nation’s unclear power stations. It would be irresponsible of Hosokawa to argue that he would be able to stop the restart of nuclear reactors.
ただ、都は東京電力の主要株主ではあるが、東電株の５０・１％は原発再稼働を目指す政府の原子力損害賠償支援機構が保有する。細川氏が再稼働を阻止できるかのように主張するなら無責任だ。
What must not be overlooked is how Koizumi has positioned the gubernatorial election. He said the election will be a “war between the group that says Japan can grow with zero nuclear power plants and the group that says it cannot.”
看過できないのは、小泉氏が都知事選を、「原発ゼロでも日本は発展できるというグループと、原発なくして日本は発展できないというグループでの争いだ」と位置付けたことである。
He should not simplify the issue of nuclear energy into a choice between two options—zero nuclear power and nuclear promotion—making light of such complicated factors as the possible effect on industries and household finances, measures to cope with global warming and energy security.
産業や家計への影響、地球温暖化対策、エネルギーの安全保障といった複雑な要因を軽視し、原発ゼロか、推進か、と二者択一で問題を単純化すべきではない。
Simplistic ideas not enough
Hosokawa has postponed his official press conference on his candidacy twice already, apparently because he has been unable to prepare his election pledges. This illustrates the fact that simplistic ideas do not prepare a person to cope with the variety of problems the Tokyo metropolitan government is facing.
細川氏の正式な記者会見は、２度も延期されている。公約の準備が整わないからだ。付け焼き刃的な発想だけでは、都政の抱える様々な課題に対処できないことの表れとも言えるだろう。
When Tokyo won its bid for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics last year, Hosokawa called for Tokyo to renounce its selection as host, saying, “Tokyo should have declined to accept the decision because we still have the nuclear problem.” We wonder how serious he is.
細川氏は昨年、２０２０年の東京五輪・パラリンピック開催が決まったことについて、「原発問題があるから辞退すべきだった」との返上論を述べていた。どこまで本気なのだろうか。
The upcoming gubernatorial election will be held because former Gov. Naoki Inose resigned over his suspicious borrowing of \50 million in cash from hospital operator Tokushukai. Therefore, we believe Hosokawa should explain his borrowing of \100 million from the Tokyo Sagawa Kyubin parcel company, which led to his resignation as prime minister.
今回は、猪瀬直樹前知事が５０００万円借入金問題で辞職しての出直し選挙だ。それだけに、細川氏には、首相辞任の要因となった東京佐川急便からの１億円借り入れについて説明が求められる。
Meanwhile, former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, another leading candidate, expressed his determination to pursue the “best Olympics in history,” antidisaster measures, improved medical and nursing care services, and employment measures. We would like Masuzoe to clearly state during the election campaign what concrete measures he plans.
一方、舛添要一・元厚生労働相は記者会見で、「史上最高の五輪」を目指すことや、防災対策、医療・介護の充実、雇用対策などに意欲を示した。具体的な方策を選挙戦で明らかにしてもらいたい。
As for nuclear energy, Masuzoe said he will aim to create a society that does not depend on nuclear power generation, instead of immediately reducing nuclear energy use to zero. He also said he would promote energy-saving measures in Tokyo, making efforts to expand the use of renewable energy.
原発に関しては、即時ゼロではなく「原発に依存しない社会」を作ると述べる一方、東京で省エネを進め、再生可能エネルギー拡大へ努力すると語っている。
The main question in the race to choose the face of the metropolis is which candidate has a clear vision of Tokyo’s future. Candidates must deepen their discussions through debate and other opportunities.
首都の顔を選ぶ都知事選で問われるのは、東京をどういう都市に変えていくのかという明確なビジョンだ。候補者同士の討論会などで、議論を深めるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 18, 2014)
（2014年1月18日01時27分 読売新聞）
Is Hosokawa serious about his call for Tokyo to decline hosting Olympics?
東京都知事選 五輪返上論はどこまで本気か（1月18日付・読売社説）
It is meaningful to discuss the issue of nuclear energy in Tokyo, which consumes a massive amount of electricity, but it is unreasonable to exploit an election for the denuclearization movement.
電力の大消費地である東京で原発問題を議論するのは有意義だが、「脱原発」運動に選挙を利用するのは筋違いだ。
Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa, who has expressed his intention to run in the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election, is drawing public attention.
東京都知事選に出馬する意向を表明した細川護熙・元首相の動向が耳目を集めている。
Hosokawa has made an antinuclear agenda his main campaign pledge, saying, “I’m concerned that the issue of nuclear power determines the nation’s fate.” He is backed by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who advocates immediately breaking with nuclear power.
細川氏は、「原発の問題は国の存亡に関わるという危機感を持っている」と強調し、脱原発を前面に掲げた。原発即時ゼロを唱える小泉元首相が支援する。
Both Hosokawa and Koizumi enjoyed high cabinet approval ratings as prime minister. They are adopting election tactics that seek to make the most of the wide public popularity they once enjoyed.
細川、小泉両氏は、いずれも首相時代、内閣支持率が高かった。かつての国民的人気をあてにした選挙戦術である。
The Tokyo metropolitan government is certainly a major shareholder of Tokyo Electric Power Co. Yet, 50.1 percent of TEPCO shares are owned by the government’s Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund, which aims to resume operation of the nation’s unclear power stations. It would be irresponsible of Hosokawa to argue that he would be able to stop the restart of nuclear reactors.
ただ、都は東京電力の主要株主ではあるが、東電株の５０・１％は原発再稼働を目指す政府の原子力損害賠償支援機構が保有する。細川氏が再稼働を阻止できるかのように主張するなら無責任だ。
What must not be overlooked is how Koizumi has positioned the gubernatorial election. He said the election will be a “war between the group that says Japan can grow with zero nuclear power plants and the group that says it cannot.”
看過できないのは、小泉氏が都知事選を、「原発ゼロでも日本は発展できるというグループと、原発なくして日本は発展できないというグループでの争いだ」と位置付けたことである。
He should not simplify the issue of nuclear energy into a choice between two options—zero nuclear power and nuclear promotion—making light of such complicated factors as the possible effect on industries and household finances, measures to cope with global warming and energy security.
産業や家計への影響、地球温暖化対策、エネルギーの安全保障といった複雑な要因を軽視し、原発ゼロか、推進か、と二者択一で問題を単純化すべきではない。
Simplistic ideas not enough
Hosokawa has postponed his official press conference on his candidacy twice already, apparently because he has been unable to prepare his election pledges. This illustrates the fact that simplistic ideas do not prepare a person to cope with the variety of problems the Tokyo metropolitan government is facing.
細川氏の正式な記者会見は、２度も延期されている。公約の準備が整わないからだ。付け焼き刃的な発想だけでは、都政の抱える様々な課題に対処できないことの表れとも言えるだろう。
When Tokyo won its bid for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics last year, Hosokawa called for Tokyo to renounce its selection as host, saying, “Tokyo should have declined to accept the decision because we still have the nuclear problem.” We wonder how serious he is.
細川氏は昨年、２０２０年の東京五輪・パラリンピック開催が決まったことについて、「原発問題があるから辞退すべきだった」との返上論を述べていた。どこまで本気なのだろうか。
The upcoming gubernatorial election will be held because former Gov. Naoki Inose resigned over his suspicious borrowing of \50 million in cash from hospital operator Tokushukai. Therefore, we believe Hosokawa should explain his borrowing of \100 million from the Tokyo Sagawa Kyubin parcel company, which led to his resignation as prime minister.
今回は、猪瀬直樹前知事が５０００万円借入金問題で辞職しての出直し選挙だ。それだけに、細川氏には、首相辞任の要因となった東京佐川急便からの１億円借り入れについて説明が求められる。
Meanwhile, former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, another leading candidate, expressed his determination to pursue the “best Olympics in history,” antidisaster measures, improved medical and nursing care services, and employment measures. We would like Masuzoe to clearly state during the election campaign what concrete measures he plans.
一方、舛添要一・元厚生労働相は記者会見で、「史上最高の五輪」を目指すことや、防災対策、医療・介護の充実、雇用対策などに意欲を示した。具体的な方策を選挙戦で明らかにしてもらいたい。
As for nuclear energy, Masuzoe said he will aim to create a society that does not depend on nuclear power generation, instead of immediately reducing nuclear energy use to zero. He also said he would promote energy-saving measures in Tokyo, making efforts to expand the use of renewable energy.
原発に関しては、即時ゼロではなく「原発に依存しない社会」を作ると述べる一方、東京で省エネを進め、再生可能エネルギー拡大へ努力すると語っている。
The main question in the race to choose the face of the metropolis is which candidate has a clear vision of Tokyo’s future. Candidates must deepen their discussions through debate and other opportunities.
首都の顔を選ぶ都知事選で問われるのは、東京をどういう都市に変えていくのかという明確なビジョンだ。候補者同士の討論会などで、議論を深めるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 18, 2014)
（2014年1月18日01時27分 読売新聞）
2014年01月19日
認知症対策 生活習慣の改善も予防になる
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 17, 2014
Govt must promote healthy lifestyle from young age to ward off dementia
認知症対策 生活習慣の改善も予防になる（1月17日付・読売社説）
The number of elderly Japanese people suffering from dementia is increasing much faster than predicted. The government must devise measures to prevent and treat the condition as quickly as possible.
認知症の高齢者が、従来の予測を大幅に上回るペースで増えている。予防や診療の体制整備を急がねばならない。
According to an estimate by a research team of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the number of elderly people diagnosed with dementia has reached 4.62 million. Research results by Kyushu University indicate the number is six times the level 20 years ago.
厚生労働省研究班の推計によると、認知症の高齢者は４６２万人に達する。過去２０年間で６倍に増えたという九州大の研究結果もある。
It must be noted that an increase in people suffering from diabetes, along with the quickly aging population, has boosted the number of dementia patients.
急速な高齢化に加え、糖尿病の増加が認知症の患者数を押し上げている事実は見逃せない。
Domestic and overseas research has found that diabetics are about twice as likely as those without diabetes to develop Alzheimer’s-type dementia.
国内外の調査で、糖尿病を患う人は、アルツハイマー型認知症の発症リスクが２倍前後に高まることが分かってきた。
Alzheimer’s-type dementia develops as a result of the accumulation of abnormal protein in the brain. People are more likely to develop this type of dementia if they become diabetic and a large amount of insulin is produced in their bodies, because insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels, also interrupts the dissolution of the protein and thus promotes its accumulation.
アルツハイマー型認知症は、脳内に異常なたんぱく質がたまって発症する。糖尿病になり、血糖値を下げるインスリンが多量に分泌されると、このたんぱく質が分解されにくくなって蓄積し、認知症が起きやすくなるという。
Major causes for diabetes are overeating and obesity resulting from insufficient exercise. According to some data, people who pay attention to their lifestyles by exercising regularly and eating Japanese and other healthy foods are less likely to develop diabetes or dementia.
糖尿病は、食べ過ぎや運動不足による肥満が主な原因だ。運動や和食を中心とした食事で生活習慣に気を配っている人は、糖尿病ばかりでなく、認知症の発症リスクが低いとのデータがある。
The health ministry should publicize such information, which could help people prevent these health problems by paying attention to their lifestyles from a young age.
厚労省は、こうした情報を周知すべきだ。若い頃から生活習慣に注意して予防につなげたい。
As many as 4 million people are said to suffer from “mild cognitive impairment,” believed to be a stage before dementia. Symptoms include impaired memory and judgment. If treated at an early stage, however, it can likely be prevented from progressing to dementia, doctors say. We hope measures to prevent the condition will be established as soon as possible.
認知症の前段階とされる「軽度認知障害」も４００万人に上る。記憶力や判断力の低下といった症状が表れる。早く対処すれば、認知症への進行を抑えられる可能性があるという。予防法の早期確立が期待される。
Dementia could be controlled
It is still important to diagnose dementia as early as possible, even if a patient has already developed symptoms. If treated properly, dementia patients could recover in cases where the formation of a hematoma in the brain due to a blow to the head caused it, for instance.
認知症になった場合でも、早期発見は重要である。頭部を強打したことで血腫が脳内にできた場合など、治療により回復可能なケースがあるからだ。
However, the conditions of many patients deteriorate if left undiagnosed. It is necessary to develop a system that can render an accurate diagnosis by increasing expert-staffed outpatient “forgetful” clinics around the country.
だが、診断がつかないまま、症状が悪化する患者は少なくない。専門医による「物忘れ外来」を普及させるなど、正確に診断できる態勢作りが必要だ。
If diagnosed early, it might be possible for people with dementia to continue their family life and jobs longer with the understanding and cooperation of their families and people around them.
早期に診断がつけば、医師の指導のもと、家族や周囲の理解と協力で、より長く家庭生活や仕事を続けることも可能だろう。
Developing measures to deal with dementia is a common concern among advanced countries, whose populations are aging quickly.
認知症対策は、高齢化が進む先進国共通の課題となっている。
Japan, the United States and six other advanced countries held the first G-8 Dementia Summit last month in London. They agreed to drastically increase research funds for dementia and share research data with the aim of establishing treatment methods by 2025.
日米など主要８か国は先月、ロンドンで初の「Ｇ８認知症サミット」を開いた。２０２５年までの治療法確立を目指し、研究費の大幅な増額や研究データの共有を図ることで合意した。
International cooperation is essential to study dementia, which still has many unexplained elements. We think Japan, whose population is aging the fastest in the world, should lead the research. The government should play a leading role and mobilize all Japanese researchers in this field to tackle the issue.
未解明な部分が多い認知症の研究に、国際協力は欠かせない。世界で最も速く高齢化する日本が主導すべきだ。政府が先頭に立ち、研究陣の総力を結集して臨んでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 17, 2014)
（2014年1月17日01時24分 読売新聞）
Govt must promote healthy lifestyle from young age to ward off dementia
認知症対策 生活習慣の改善も予防になる（1月17日付・読売社説）
The number of elderly Japanese people suffering from dementia is increasing much faster than predicted. The government must devise measures to prevent and treat the condition as quickly as possible.
認知症の高齢者が、従来の予測を大幅に上回るペースで増えている。予防や診療の体制整備を急がねばならない。
According to an estimate by a research team of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the number of elderly people diagnosed with dementia has reached 4.62 million. Research results by Kyushu University indicate the number is six times the level 20 years ago.
厚生労働省研究班の推計によると、認知症の高齢者は４６２万人に達する。過去２０年間で６倍に増えたという九州大の研究結果もある。
It must be noted that an increase in people suffering from diabetes, along with the quickly aging population, has boosted the number of dementia patients.
急速な高齢化に加え、糖尿病の増加が認知症の患者数を押し上げている事実は見逃せない。
Domestic and overseas research has found that diabetics are about twice as likely as those without diabetes to develop Alzheimer’s-type dementia.
国内外の調査で、糖尿病を患う人は、アルツハイマー型認知症の発症リスクが２倍前後に高まることが分かってきた。
Alzheimer’s-type dementia develops as a result of the accumulation of abnormal protein in the brain. People are more likely to develop this type of dementia if they become diabetic and a large amount of insulin is produced in their bodies, because insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels, also interrupts the dissolution of the protein and thus promotes its accumulation.
アルツハイマー型認知症は、脳内に異常なたんぱく質がたまって発症する。糖尿病になり、血糖値を下げるインスリンが多量に分泌されると、このたんぱく質が分解されにくくなって蓄積し、認知症が起きやすくなるという。
Major causes for diabetes are overeating and obesity resulting from insufficient exercise. According to some data, people who pay attention to their lifestyles by exercising regularly and eating Japanese and other healthy foods are less likely to develop diabetes or dementia.
糖尿病は、食べ過ぎや運動不足による肥満が主な原因だ。運動や和食を中心とした食事で生活習慣に気を配っている人は、糖尿病ばかりでなく、認知症の発症リスクが低いとのデータがある。
The health ministry should publicize such information, which could help people prevent these health problems by paying attention to their lifestyles from a young age.
厚労省は、こうした情報を周知すべきだ。若い頃から生活習慣に注意して予防につなげたい。
As many as 4 million people are said to suffer from “mild cognitive impairment,” believed to be a stage before dementia. Symptoms include impaired memory and judgment. If treated at an early stage, however, it can likely be prevented from progressing to dementia, doctors say. We hope measures to prevent the condition will be established as soon as possible.
認知症の前段階とされる「軽度認知障害」も４００万人に上る。記憶力や判断力の低下といった症状が表れる。早く対処すれば、認知症への進行を抑えられる可能性があるという。予防法の早期確立が期待される。
Dementia could be controlled
It is still important to diagnose dementia as early as possible, even if a patient has already developed symptoms. If treated properly, dementia patients could recover in cases where the formation of a hematoma in the brain due to a blow to the head caused it, for instance.
認知症になった場合でも、早期発見は重要である。頭部を強打したことで血腫が脳内にできた場合など、治療により回復可能なケースがあるからだ。
However, the conditions of many patients deteriorate if left undiagnosed. It is necessary to develop a system that can render an accurate diagnosis by increasing expert-staffed outpatient “forgetful” clinics around the country.
だが、診断がつかないまま、症状が悪化する患者は少なくない。専門医による「物忘れ外来」を普及させるなど、正確に診断できる態勢作りが必要だ。
If diagnosed early, it might be possible for people with dementia to continue their family life and jobs longer with the understanding and cooperation of their families and people around them.
早期に診断がつけば、医師の指導のもと、家族や周囲の理解と協力で、より長く家庭生活や仕事を続けることも可能だろう。
Developing measures to deal with dementia is a common concern among advanced countries, whose populations are aging quickly.
認知症対策は、高齢化が進む先進国共通の課題となっている。
Japan, the United States and six other advanced countries held the first G-8 Dementia Summit last month in London. They agreed to drastically increase research funds for dementia and share research data with the aim of establishing treatment methods by 2025.
日米など主要８か国は先月、ロンドンで初の「Ｇ８認知症サミット」を開いた。２０２５年までの治療法確立を目指し、研究費の大幅な増額や研究データの共有を図ることで合意した。
International cooperation is essential to study dementia, which still has many unexplained elements. We think Japan, whose population is aging the fastest in the world, should lead the research. The government should play a leading role and mobilize all Japanese researchers in this field to tackle the issue.
未解明な部分が多い認知症の研究に、国際協力は欠かせない。世界で最も速く高齢化する日本が主導すべきだ。政府が先頭に立ち、研究陣の総力を結集して臨んでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 17, 2014)
（2014年1月17日01時24分 読売新聞）
2014年01月18日
タイ反政府デモ 選挙実現へ混乱収拾が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 16, 2014
Urgent steps must be taken to unsnarl chaos disrupting Thailand election
タイ反政府デモ 選挙実現へ混乱収拾が急務だ（1月16日付・読売社説）
Disorder in Thailand has become protracted as the factional conflict intensifies. It is desirable to explore a way to unsnarl the chaos so the general election can be held.
党派対立の激化によりタイの混乱が長期化している。総選挙の実現に向け、混乱収拾の道を模索することが望まれる。
Protests against the government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra—a sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—have been occurring frequently over the past two months in Bangkok, with demonstrators calling for Yingluck’s resignation.
首都バンコクでは２か月以上にわたり、タクシン元首相の妹、インラック首相の辞任を求める反タクシン派のデモが頻発している。
Since Monday, antigovernment protesters have occupied the key intersections of Bangkok and roads in front of government offices, partially paralyzing the functions of the capital city. The Yingluck administration has refrained from removing them by force, apparently for fear of a clash between the police and the protesters.
デモ隊は１３日から、主要交差点や官庁前道路などを占拠し、都市機能の一部が麻痺(まひ)する事態となった。インラック政権は、強制排除を控えている。警官隊とデモ隊の衝突を恐れているのだろう。
The latest wave of protests was triggered as the ruling Pheu Thai Party, in support of Thaksin, made a failed bid to push an amnesty bill through parliament that would have allowed Thaksin, who is in self-imposed exile to avoid jail time for a corruption conviction, to return to Thailand.
デモの発端は、タクシン派与党のタイ貢献党が、汚職罪で実刑判決を受けて国外に逃れているタクシン氏の帰国に道を開く恩赦法を成立させようとしたことだ。
This high-handed approach of the ruling party has brought about angry responses from anti-Thaksin forces, including the main opposition Democrat Party.
強引な姿勢が、最大野党・民主党など反タクシン派の反発を招いた。
In a bid to calm the political crisis, Yingluck dissolved the lower house and called for a general election slated for Feb. 2. Then the anti-Thaksin forces vowed to boycott the vote, while calling for Yingluck to step down and for a transition to an interim government comprised of nonelected representatives from various sectors to oversee political and electoral reforms before any new polls.
首相は混乱を収拾しようと、下院を解散し、２月２日投票の総選挙実施に打って出た。これに対し、反タクシン派は、選挙受け入れを拒否し、首相の辞任と、選挙を経ない各界代表による暫定統治への移行を要求した。
Undermining democracy
The pro-Thaksin party has paid particular attention to the poor, who make up a large part of the population, and enjoys overwhelming support among the poor and in rural areas. In recent general elections, the party has continuously been the victor. The anti-Thaksin forces have apparently concluded that there is no way for them to win in an election.
弱者対策に力を入れてきたタクシン派政党は、人口が多い貧困層や農村で圧倒的に支持されており、近年の総選挙で連勝中だ。反タクシン派は、選挙では勝ち目がないと判断したとみられる。
Boycotting the vote and disturbing public order to make others accept their claim, primarily on the pretext of the opposition having little chance of winning an election, is just a self-serving stance in total disregard of democratic procedures. The right thing to do is for them to approve the holding of the election.
勝算が乏しいことを理由に、選挙を拒否し、秩序を乱す行動で主張を通そうとするのは、民主的手続きを無視した利己的な態度と言わざるを得ない。選挙を受け入れるのが筋である。
Yet it now appears to be difficult to hold the election as planned.
ただ、予定通りに選挙を実施するのは、もはや困難に見える。
Due to the obstruction by anti-Thaksin forces, there are many electoral districts that are devoid of candidates. Even if the election was forcibly carried out, there wouldn’t be enough members to fulfill the constitutional provisions for convening the lower house.
反タクシン派の妨害によって、多くの選挙区で候補者が不在となったため、選挙を強行しても、憲法規定上、下院の招集に必要な議員数がそろわない。
Accordingly, the Election Committee has called for Yingluck to delay the election schedule.
選挙管理委員会は、インラック首相に対して、選挙の日程を延期するよう求めている。
There are some within the anti-Thaksin forces who want military intervention. Even if the government was toppled with such means, it would only invite retaliation from pro-Thaksin forces.
反タクシン派内には、軍の介入を望む声もあるという。たとえ、そうした手段で政権を倒しても、タクシン派からの報復を招くだけではないか。
The current turmoil is set to affect the economy.
混乱は、経済にも影響を及ぼしつつある。
Some Japanese companies have taken measures such as shutting down the buildings of their local affiliates. It has also been reported that the government’s procedures for approving large-scale investment projects have been suspended.
一部日本企業は、現地法人ビルの閉鎖などの措置をとった。大規模投資計画に対する政府の承認手続きも停止しているという。
Thailand, which has achieved its economic growth through foreign capital investments from countries such as Japan, has been called “an honor student among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.” Such global confidence accredited to the country has begun to be undermined.
タイは、日本など海外からの投資で成長し、「東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の優等生」と呼ばれてきた。その国際的な信用が揺らぎ始めている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 16, 2014)
（2014年1月16日01時33分 読売新聞）
Urgent steps must be taken to unsnarl chaos disrupting Thailand election
タイ反政府デモ 選挙実現へ混乱収拾が急務だ（1月16日付・読売社説）
Disorder in Thailand has become protracted as the factional conflict intensifies. It is desirable to explore a way to unsnarl the chaos so the general election can be held.
党派対立の激化によりタイの混乱が長期化している。総選挙の実現に向け、混乱収拾の道を模索することが望まれる。
Protests against the government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra—a sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—have been occurring frequently over the past two months in Bangkok, with demonstrators calling for Yingluck’s resignation.
首都バンコクでは２か月以上にわたり、タクシン元首相の妹、インラック首相の辞任を求める反タクシン派のデモが頻発している。
Since Monday, antigovernment protesters have occupied the key intersections of Bangkok and roads in front of government offices, partially paralyzing the functions of the capital city. The Yingluck administration has refrained from removing them by force, apparently for fear of a clash between the police and the protesters.
デモ隊は１３日から、主要交差点や官庁前道路などを占拠し、都市機能の一部が麻痺(まひ)する事態となった。インラック政権は、強制排除を控えている。警官隊とデモ隊の衝突を恐れているのだろう。
The latest wave of protests was triggered as the ruling Pheu Thai Party, in support of Thaksin, made a failed bid to push an amnesty bill through parliament that would have allowed Thaksin, who is in self-imposed exile to avoid jail time for a corruption conviction, to return to Thailand.
デモの発端は、タクシン派与党のタイ貢献党が、汚職罪で実刑判決を受けて国外に逃れているタクシン氏の帰国に道を開く恩赦法を成立させようとしたことだ。
This high-handed approach of the ruling party has brought about angry responses from anti-Thaksin forces, including the main opposition Democrat Party.
強引な姿勢が、最大野党・民主党など反タクシン派の反発を招いた。
In a bid to calm the political crisis, Yingluck dissolved the lower house and called for a general election slated for Feb. 2. Then the anti-Thaksin forces vowed to boycott the vote, while calling for Yingluck to step down and for a transition to an interim government comprised of nonelected representatives from various sectors to oversee political and electoral reforms before any new polls.
首相は混乱を収拾しようと、下院を解散し、２月２日投票の総選挙実施に打って出た。これに対し、反タクシン派は、選挙受け入れを拒否し、首相の辞任と、選挙を経ない各界代表による暫定統治への移行を要求した。
Undermining democracy
The pro-Thaksin party has paid particular attention to the poor, who make up a large part of the population, and enjoys overwhelming support among the poor and in rural areas. In recent general elections, the party has continuously been the victor. The anti-Thaksin forces have apparently concluded that there is no way for them to win in an election.
弱者対策に力を入れてきたタクシン派政党は、人口が多い貧困層や農村で圧倒的に支持されており、近年の総選挙で連勝中だ。反タクシン派は、選挙では勝ち目がないと判断したとみられる。
Boycotting the vote and disturbing public order to make others accept their claim, primarily on the pretext of the opposition having little chance of winning an election, is just a self-serving stance in total disregard of democratic procedures. The right thing to do is for them to approve the holding of the election.
勝算が乏しいことを理由に、選挙を拒否し、秩序を乱す行動で主張を通そうとするのは、民主的手続きを無視した利己的な態度と言わざるを得ない。選挙を受け入れるのが筋である。
Yet it now appears to be difficult to hold the election as planned.
ただ、予定通りに選挙を実施するのは、もはや困難に見える。
Due to the obstruction by anti-Thaksin forces, there are many electoral districts that are devoid of candidates. Even if the election was forcibly carried out, there wouldn’t be enough members to fulfill the constitutional provisions for convening the lower house.
反タクシン派の妨害によって、多くの選挙区で候補者が不在となったため、選挙を強行しても、憲法規定上、下院の招集に必要な議員数がそろわない。
Accordingly, the Election Committee has called for Yingluck to delay the election schedule.
選挙管理委員会は、インラック首相に対して、選挙の日程を延期するよう求めている。
There are some within the anti-Thaksin forces who want military intervention. Even if the government was toppled with such means, it would only invite retaliation from pro-Thaksin forces.
反タクシン派内には、軍の介入を望む声もあるという。たとえ、そうした手段で政権を倒しても、タクシン派からの報復を招くだけではないか。
The current turmoil is set to affect the economy.
混乱は、経済にも影響を及ぼしつつある。
Some Japanese companies have taken measures such as shutting down the buildings of their local affiliates. It has also been reported that the government’s procedures for approving large-scale investment projects have been suspended.
一部日本企業は、現地法人ビルの閉鎖などの措置をとった。大規模投資計画に対する政府の承認手続きも停止しているという。
Thailand, which has achieved its economic growth through foreign capital investments from countries such as Japan, has been called “an honor student among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.” Such global confidence accredited to the country has begun to be undermined.
タイは、日本など海外からの投資で成長し、「東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の優等生」と呼ばれてきた。その国際的な信用が揺らぎ始めている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 16, 2014)
（2014年1月16日01時33分 読売新聞）
2014年01月17日
アフリカ外交 「日本らしさ」を互恵に生かせ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 15, 2014
Japanese drive to help Africa offers benefits for both sides
アフリカ外交 「日本らしさ」を互恵に生かせ（1月15日付・読売社説）
The world has its eyes on Africa, a growing market blessed with rich natural resources. Japan, for its part, should strengthen relations with African countries, a move that will surely help revitalize the Japanese economy.
豊かな天然資源を有する成長市場、アフリカに世界が注目している。日本も関係を一層強化しなければならない。それが日本経済の活性化にも好影響を与えるだろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has just wrapped up a visit to three African countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Ethiopia. The trip marked the first visit to sub-Saharan Africa by a Japanese prime minister since Junichiro Koizumi toured the region in 2006.
安倍首相がアフリカのコートジボワール、モザンビーク、エチオピア３か国を訪問した。首相のサハラ砂漠以南のアフリカ歴訪は、２００６年の小泉首相以来だ。
Cote d’Ivoire is a key logistical hub for West Africa, and Mozambique boasts a wealth of natural gas and other resources. Ethiopia, home to the headquarters of the African Union, is regarded as a political center of the continent. Abe’s choice to visit these three countries shows Japan’s consideration extends to the whole of Africa.
コートジボワールは西アフリカの物流拠点で、モザンビークは天然ガスなどに恵まれている。エチオピアにはアフリカ連合（ＡＵ）本部があり、政治の中心と位置づけられている。訪問先にアフリカ全体への目配りがうかがえる。
In June last year, the Abe administration invited African leaders from 51 nations or their deputies to the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 5). Abe’s recent visit to the three nations was partly aimed at reinforcing a relationship of trust with African leaders.
安倍政権は昨年６月、アフリカ各国の首脳を招いて第５回アフリカ開発会議（ＴＩＣＡＤ５）を開いた。今回の歴訪は首脳との信頼関係を強める目的もあった。
Abe delivered a policy address in Ethiopia stressing the need to build mutually beneficial ties between Japan and African countries.
首相がエチオピアで行った政策スピーチは、日本とアフリカの互恵関係構築に重点を置いた。
The speech drew attention to Japanese companies operating in Africa and their efforts to train local workers while valuing the ingenuity of each individual. Strengthening the relationship between companies like these and the peoples of Africa will foster a win-win relationship, benefiting both Japan and African nations, he underscored.
進出した日本企業が地元の従業員教育に努め、一人一人の創意工夫を大切にしていることを紹介した。日本企業との関係が強まれば、日本とアフリカは共に利益を得る「ウイン・ウインの関係」になれるとも強調した。
Creating mutual benefits
Abe announced Japanese government policies focusing on youth and women, aimed at developing human resources by promoting vocational training and welcoming African students to Japan, as well as providing support for childbirth and child rearing.
政府としては、アフリカの若者と女性に焦点を当て、職業訓練や留学生受け入れなどの人材育成に加え、出産や子育てへの支援を進める方針も表明した。
In recent years, China has drastically expanded its presence in Africa with investments and loans. But the country has been criticized for unilaterally diverting resources and profits from Africa to itself. Many Chinese companies import workers from China to work in Africa—a practice that does not help in increasing local employment.
アフリカには、中国が近年、投資や融資を急拡大している。だが、中国企業は、中国人労働者を流入させ、地元の雇用につながらず、資源や利益を一方的に自国に還元するだけだとの批判がある。
It is clear that Abe’s approach is to stress “Japaneseness” and to differentiate the country from China. Arriving in Africa accompanied by a delegation from the corporate sector was part of the effort to strengthen economic ties with Africa. Enhancing its presence in Africa is crucial for Japan.
首相が、中国と差別化を図り、「日本らしさ」をアピールした狙いは理解できる。今回、日本企業の代表を同行させたのも経済関係強化の一環と言えよう。アフリカでの日本の存在感をもっと高めていく必要がある。
Also of great importance is improving the environment for Japanese companies to help them make inroads into Africa. It will be necessary to make use of Japanese ODA in improving public infrastructure, such as roads and power plants.
肝要なのは、日本企業が進出しやすい環境を整えることだ。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用して、道路や発電所などのインフラ（社会基盤）をますます充実させていかねばならない。
Sadly, more than a few regions in Africa are still plagued by terrorist attacks and shaken by political instability. South Sudan, for example, is on the verge of slipping into civil war. Japan should help restore stability in these areas by making stronger contributions in the realm of public safety.
アフリカにはなお、テロが横行し、政情が不安定な地域も少なくない。南スーダンは内戦に陥りかねない危機に直面している。日本は地域の安定のため、治安対策でもさらに貢献すべきだろう。
Abe has expressed a desire to make repeated visits to Africa. Japan must invest in joint endeavors through the public and private sectors to strengthen its ties with African countries from both mid- and long-term perspectives.
首相は「何度でもアフリカを訪れたい」と語った。官民が連携し、中長期的な視点で、アフリカと関係を深めていくべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 15, 2014)
（2014年1月15日01時33分 読売新聞）
Japanese drive to help Africa offers benefits for both sides
アフリカ外交 「日本らしさ」を互恵に生かせ（1月15日付・読売社説）
The world has its eyes on Africa, a growing market blessed with rich natural resources. Japan, for its part, should strengthen relations with African countries, a move that will surely help revitalize the Japanese economy.
豊かな天然資源を有する成長市場、アフリカに世界が注目している。日本も関係を一層強化しなければならない。それが日本経済の活性化にも好影響を与えるだろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has just wrapped up a visit to three African countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Ethiopia. The trip marked the first visit to sub-Saharan Africa by a Japanese prime minister since Junichiro Koizumi toured the region in 2006.
安倍首相がアフリカのコートジボワール、モザンビーク、エチオピア３か国を訪問した。首相のサハラ砂漠以南のアフリカ歴訪は、２００６年の小泉首相以来だ。
Cote d’Ivoire is a key logistical hub for West Africa, and Mozambique boasts a wealth of natural gas and other resources. Ethiopia, home to the headquarters of the African Union, is regarded as a political center of the continent. Abe’s choice to visit these three countries shows Japan’s consideration extends to the whole of Africa.
コートジボワールは西アフリカの物流拠点で、モザンビークは天然ガスなどに恵まれている。エチオピアにはアフリカ連合（ＡＵ）本部があり、政治の中心と位置づけられている。訪問先にアフリカ全体への目配りがうかがえる。
In June last year, the Abe administration invited African leaders from 51 nations or their deputies to the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 5). Abe’s recent visit to the three nations was partly aimed at reinforcing a relationship of trust with African leaders.
安倍政権は昨年６月、アフリカ各国の首脳を招いて第５回アフリカ開発会議（ＴＩＣＡＤ５）を開いた。今回の歴訪は首脳との信頼関係を強める目的もあった。
Abe delivered a policy address in Ethiopia stressing the need to build mutually beneficial ties between Japan and African countries.
首相がエチオピアで行った政策スピーチは、日本とアフリカの互恵関係構築に重点を置いた。
The speech drew attention to Japanese companies operating in Africa and their efforts to train local workers while valuing the ingenuity of each individual. Strengthening the relationship between companies like these and the peoples of Africa will foster a win-win relationship, benefiting both Japan and African nations, he underscored.
進出した日本企業が地元の従業員教育に努め、一人一人の創意工夫を大切にしていることを紹介した。日本企業との関係が強まれば、日本とアフリカは共に利益を得る「ウイン・ウインの関係」になれるとも強調した。
Creating mutual benefits
Abe announced Japanese government policies focusing on youth and women, aimed at developing human resources by promoting vocational training and welcoming African students to Japan, as well as providing support for childbirth and child rearing.
政府としては、アフリカの若者と女性に焦点を当て、職業訓練や留学生受け入れなどの人材育成に加え、出産や子育てへの支援を進める方針も表明した。
In recent years, China has drastically expanded its presence in Africa with investments and loans. But the country has been criticized for unilaterally diverting resources and profits from Africa to itself. Many Chinese companies import workers from China to work in Africa—a practice that does not help in increasing local employment.
アフリカには、中国が近年、投資や融資を急拡大している。だが、中国企業は、中国人労働者を流入させ、地元の雇用につながらず、資源や利益を一方的に自国に還元するだけだとの批判がある。
It is clear that Abe’s approach is to stress “Japaneseness” and to differentiate the country from China. Arriving in Africa accompanied by a delegation from the corporate sector was part of the effort to strengthen economic ties with Africa. Enhancing its presence in Africa is crucial for Japan.
首相が、中国と差別化を図り、「日本らしさ」をアピールした狙いは理解できる。今回、日本企業の代表を同行させたのも経済関係強化の一環と言えよう。アフリカでの日本の存在感をもっと高めていく必要がある。
Also of great importance is improving the environment for Japanese companies to help them make inroads into Africa. It will be necessary to make use of Japanese ODA in improving public infrastructure, such as roads and power plants.
肝要なのは、日本企業が進出しやすい環境を整えることだ。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用して、道路や発電所などのインフラ（社会基盤）をますます充実させていかねばならない。
Sadly, more than a few regions in Africa are still plagued by terrorist attacks and shaken by political instability. South Sudan, for example, is on the verge of slipping into civil war. Japan should help restore stability in these areas by making stronger contributions in the realm of public safety.
アフリカにはなお、テロが横行し、政情が不安定な地域も少なくない。南スーダンは内戦に陥りかねない危機に直面している。日本は地域の安定のため、治安対策でもさらに貢献すべきだろう。
Abe has expressed a desire to make repeated visits to Africa. Japan must invest in joint endeavors through the public and private sectors to strengthen its ties with African countries from both mid- and long-term perspectives.
首相は「何度でもアフリカを訪れたい」と語った。官民が連携し、中長期的な視点で、アフリカと関係を深めていくべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 15, 2014)
（2014年1月15日01時33分 読売新聞）
2014年01月16日
日本経済再生 効果的な成長戦略に練り直せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 14, 2014
Govt must reshape growth strategy to bring about effective outcome
日本経済再生 効果的な成長戦略に練り直せ（1月14日付・読売社説）
◆ＴＰＰ交渉で国益の最大化を
Business has been steadily picking up on the tailwind of the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
安倍政権の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を追い風に、景気は明るさを増してきた。
The question now is how to maintain sustainable growth. It is essential to end the deflationary spiral that has continued for nearly 20 years.
これから問われるのは成長の持続力である。２０年近く続いた悪性デフレの病を、完治させることが肝心だ。
The government must accelerate the implementation of an effective growth strategy with a view to achieving self-sustaining growth led by the private sector.
政府は、民間主導の自律的な成長を目指し、実効性のある成長戦略を加速させねばならない。
The Nikkei Stock Average currently is hovering around 16,000 at the Tokyo Stock Exchange after soaring by about 60 percent in the past year. The stronger yen that plagued the national economy has weakened significantly and remains low in relation to other currencies.
東京市場の平均株価は、ここ１年で約６０％上昇し、１万６０００円前後で推移している。日本経済を苦しめた円高も大幅に修正され、円安傾向が続く。
Bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulus measures pushed by the Abe administration plus the business recovery of the United States have helped the Japanese economy. It is to ensure that the move toward improvement does not end up as a “false dawn.”
安倍政権が打ち出した大胆な金融緩和と財政出動に加え、米国の景気回復も好材料となった。大切なのは、改善の動きを「偽りの夜明け」に終わらせないことだ。
Tax hike biggest hurdle
◆カンフル剤は効いたが
The biggest hurdle to this goal is the consumption tax hike set for April.
最大のハードルは、４月の消費税率の引き上げである。
The tax burden on the nation’s households will increase by \6 trillion a year after the rate is raised from the current 5 percent to 8 percent. It is feared that consumption—which accounts for 60 percent of the gross domestic product—will cool off, causing a business slowdown.
消費税率が５％から８％に上がると、家計全体の税負担は年６兆円も増える。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の６割を占める消費が冷え込み、景気が失速する懸念がある。
Relying only on fiscal stimulus to prop up the economy will lead to the worsening of state finances. To attain economic revitalization and fiscal reconstruction together, it is indispensable to invigorate the economy through implementation of a radical growth strategy.
景気テコ入れ策として財政出動に頼るだけでは、財政悪化に拍車がかかる。経済再生と財政再建を同時に達成するには、大胆な成長戦略で民間経済を活性化させることが欠かせない。
In connection with the law on enhancement of industrial competitiveness enacted in December and other growth strategy-related bills, the government will shortly work out implementation plans that include timetables and designation of Cabinet ministers in charge of implementation. The government should steadily carry out measures and assess their effectiveness.
政府は昨年末に成立した産業競争力強化法をはじめ成長戦略の関連施策について、近く実行計画を策定し、実施時期や担当閣僚を明示する。各施策の着実な遂行と、効果の検証が求められよう。
It is problematic, however, that the growth strategy is lackluster.
だが問題は、成長戦略の中身が物足りないことだ。
Deregulation steps insufficient
◆規制緩和が物足りない
A deregulation plan to establish special national strategy zones under the slogan “to provide the world’s most favorable business environment” fails to do away with regulations that are as hard as bedrock in such fields as employment, medical treatment and agriculture.
「世界一ビジネスがしやすい環境を作る」とした国家戦略特区の規制緩和メニューは、雇用や医療、農業などの強固な「岩盤規制」を十分に突き崩せなかった。
Deregulation of working hours, which has been strongly requested by business circles, has been postponed. So has expansion of a mixed medical treatment system under which treatment covered and not covered by health insurance could be provided together.
経済界が強く求める労働時間の規制緩和や、自由診療と保険診療を併用する混合診療の大幅拡充なども見送られた。
In his New Year’s press conference, Abe revealed a plan to reexamine the growth strategy in the middle of this year. Half-baked revision would make no sense. To ensure the success of deregulation, the prime minister must lead the way in containing the resistance of government ministries and agencies as well as their related organizations trying to protect their vested interests.
首相は年頭の記者会見で、今年半ばに成長戦略を見直す方針を表明した。中途半端な改定では意味がない。既得権を守ろうとする各府省や関係団体の抵抗を、首相の指導力で封じ込め、規制緩和を前進させてもらいたい。
Another challenge for the growth strategy is lowering the effective corporate tax rate, which is higher than those in major countries in Europe and other parts of Asia.
欧州やアジアの主要国よりも高い法人税実効税率の引き下げも、成長戦略の課題である。
The government must aim at reinforcing the international competitiveness of Japanese companies by realizing the tax cut as soon as possible, while at the same time revitalizing the Japanese market by promoting the inflow of foreign capital.
早期に実現して、日本企業の競争力強化を図るとともに、外資の参入促進による日本市場の活性化を目指すべきだ。
The recovery of a cheap and stable power supply is the basis of economic growth. It is vital to steadily restart nuclear power reactors whose safety has been confirmed.
安価で安定した電力供給の回復は、経済成長の基盤といえる。安全性の確認できた原発を着実に再稼働することも不可欠である。
Yet we cannot expect much from the growth strategy as long as the companies, who are to play the leading role under the strategy, “have not danced though we have piped unto them.”
せっかくの成長戦略も、主役の企業が「笛吹けど踊らず」では成果は乏しい。
It is worrisome that many companies have not shaken free of their defensive stance. This is partly because their business performances were sluggish for a protracted period due to the deflationary trend and the strong yen.
デフレや円高で業績不振が長引いたこともあり、多くの企業が守りの姿勢から抜け出せていないことが気がかりである。
Japanese companies hold a total of at least \200 trillion in cash and money on deposit. This shows they have refrained from investing in plant and equipment and manpower in order to set aside cash reserves for emergencies.
日本企業は総額２００兆円を超える現金と預金を保有している。万一に備えて手元資金を残しておこうと、設備や人材への投資を控えてきた証しといえる。
Although they have bailed themselves out of the plight caused by the superstrong yen, Japanese manufacturers have been fiercely competing abroad with their rivals from emerging economies. This comes at a time when the domestic market is expected to shrink, due to the declining population.
超円高の苦境は脱したものの、製造業各社は海外市場で、新興国企業などと激しい競争を展開している。国内は、人口減少による市場の縮小が見込まれる。
Govt must reshape growth strategy to bring about effective outcome
日本経済再生 効果的な成長戦略に練り直せ（1月14日付・読売社説）
◆ＴＰＰ交渉で国益の最大化を
Business has been steadily picking up on the tailwind of the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
安倍政権の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を追い風に、景気は明るさを増してきた。
The question now is how to maintain sustainable growth. It is essential to end the deflationary spiral that has continued for nearly 20 years.
これから問われるのは成長の持続力である。２０年近く続いた悪性デフレの病を、完治させることが肝心だ。
The government must accelerate the implementation of an effective growth strategy with a view to achieving self-sustaining growth led by the private sector.
政府は、民間主導の自律的な成長を目指し、実効性のある成長戦略を加速させねばならない。
The Nikkei Stock Average currently is hovering around 16,000 at the Tokyo Stock Exchange after soaring by about 60 percent in the past year. The stronger yen that plagued the national economy has weakened significantly and remains low in relation to other currencies.
東京市場の平均株価は、ここ１年で約６０％上昇し、１万６０００円前後で推移している。日本経済を苦しめた円高も大幅に修正され、円安傾向が続く。
Bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulus measures pushed by the Abe administration plus the business recovery of the United States have helped the Japanese economy. It is to ensure that the move toward improvement does not end up as a “false dawn.”
安倍政権が打ち出した大胆な金融緩和と財政出動に加え、米国の景気回復も好材料となった。大切なのは、改善の動きを「偽りの夜明け」に終わらせないことだ。
Tax hike biggest hurdle
◆カンフル剤は効いたが
The biggest hurdle to this goal is the consumption tax hike set for April.
最大のハードルは、４月の消費税率の引き上げである。
The tax burden on the nation’s households will increase by \6 trillion a year after the rate is raised from the current 5 percent to 8 percent. It is feared that consumption—which accounts for 60 percent of the gross domestic product—will cool off, causing a business slowdown.
消費税率が５％から８％に上がると、家計全体の税負担は年６兆円も増える。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の６割を占める消費が冷え込み、景気が失速する懸念がある。
Relying only on fiscal stimulus to prop up the economy will lead to the worsening of state finances. To attain economic revitalization and fiscal reconstruction together, it is indispensable to invigorate the economy through implementation of a radical growth strategy.
景気テコ入れ策として財政出動に頼るだけでは、財政悪化に拍車がかかる。経済再生と財政再建を同時に達成するには、大胆な成長戦略で民間経済を活性化させることが欠かせない。
In connection with the law on enhancement of industrial competitiveness enacted in December and other growth strategy-related bills, the government will shortly work out implementation plans that include timetables and designation of Cabinet ministers in charge of implementation. The government should steadily carry out measures and assess their effectiveness.
政府は昨年末に成立した産業競争力強化法をはじめ成長戦略の関連施策について、近く実行計画を策定し、実施時期や担当閣僚を明示する。各施策の着実な遂行と、効果の検証が求められよう。
It is problematic, however, that the growth strategy is lackluster.
だが問題は、成長戦略の中身が物足りないことだ。
Deregulation steps insufficient
◆規制緩和が物足りない
A deregulation plan to establish special national strategy zones under the slogan “to provide the world’s most favorable business environment” fails to do away with regulations that are as hard as bedrock in such fields as employment, medical treatment and agriculture.
「世界一ビジネスがしやすい環境を作る」とした国家戦略特区の規制緩和メニューは、雇用や医療、農業などの強固な「岩盤規制」を十分に突き崩せなかった。
Deregulation of working hours, which has been strongly requested by business circles, has been postponed. So has expansion of a mixed medical treatment system under which treatment covered and not covered by health insurance could be provided together.
経済界が強く求める労働時間の規制緩和や、自由診療と保険診療を併用する混合診療の大幅拡充なども見送られた。
In his New Year’s press conference, Abe revealed a plan to reexamine the growth strategy in the middle of this year. Half-baked revision would make no sense. To ensure the success of deregulation, the prime minister must lead the way in containing the resistance of government ministries and agencies as well as their related organizations trying to protect their vested interests.
首相は年頭の記者会見で、今年半ばに成長戦略を見直す方針を表明した。中途半端な改定では意味がない。既得権を守ろうとする各府省や関係団体の抵抗を、首相の指導力で封じ込め、規制緩和を前進させてもらいたい。
Another challenge for the growth strategy is lowering the effective corporate tax rate, which is higher than those in major countries in Europe and other parts of Asia.
欧州やアジアの主要国よりも高い法人税実効税率の引き下げも、成長戦略の課題である。
The government must aim at reinforcing the international competitiveness of Japanese companies by realizing the tax cut as soon as possible, while at the same time revitalizing the Japanese market by promoting the inflow of foreign capital.
早期に実現して、日本企業の競争力強化を図るとともに、外資の参入促進による日本市場の活性化を目指すべきだ。
The recovery of a cheap and stable power supply is the basis of economic growth. It is vital to steadily restart nuclear power reactors whose safety has been confirmed.
安価で安定した電力供給の回復は、経済成長の基盤といえる。安全性の確認できた原発を着実に再稼働することも不可欠である。
Yet we cannot expect much from the growth strategy as long as the companies, who are to play the leading role under the strategy, “have not danced though we have piped unto them.”
せっかくの成長戦略も、主役の企業が「笛吹けど踊らず」では成果は乏しい。
It is worrisome that many companies have not shaken free of their defensive stance. This is partly because their business performances were sluggish for a protracted period due to the deflationary trend and the strong yen.
デフレや円高で業績不振が長引いたこともあり、多くの企業が守りの姿勢から抜け出せていないことが気がかりである。
Japanese companies hold a total of at least \200 trillion in cash and money on deposit. This shows they have refrained from investing in plant and equipment and manpower in order to set aside cash reserves for emergencies.
日本企業は総額２００兆円を超える現金と預金を保有している。万一に備えて手元資金を残しておこうと、設備や人材への投資を控えてきた証しといえる。
Although they have bailed themselves out of the plight caused by the superstrong yen, Japanese manufacturers have been fiercely competing abroad with their rivals from emerging economies. This comes at a time when the domestic market is expected to shrink, due to the declining population.
超円高の苦境は脱したものの、製造業各社は海外市場で、新興国企業などと激しい競争を展開している。国内は、人口減少による市場の縮小が見込まれる。
2014年01月15日
成人の日 堅実さと柔軟な発想求めたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 14, 2014
New adults should combine realism with flexibility and entrepreneurship
成人の日 堅実さと柔軟な発想求めたい（1月13日付・読売社説）
Today is Coming-of-Age Day. We would like to celebrate the birth of 1.21 million new adults in Japan.
きょうは成人の日。１２１万人の新成人の門出を祝いたい。
We hope they will step forward strongly with keen awareness as adults.
大人としての自覚を胸に刻み、力強い一歩を踏み出してほしい。
They were born in 1993, when the Liberal Democratic Party-led government, which had held power since the merger of conservative parties in 1955, was replaced with a coalition government of non-LDP parties. Crown Prince and Princess Masako also married that year.
新成人が生まれた１９９３年には、５５年の保守合同以来続いた自民党政権に代わって、非自民の連立政権が誕生した。皇太子さまと雅子さまのご成婚もあった。
The years in which these young people grew up almost overlap the “two lost decades” when the Japanese economy faltered after the collapse of the asset-inflated bubble economy. There are concerns about a decline in their academic abilities because they received “cram-free education” from primary school to high school.
この若者たちが育った時期は、バブル経済が崩壊して、日本経済が低迷を続けた「失われた２０年」とほぼ重なる。小学校から高校までは、いわゆる「ゆとり教育」を受け、学力低下の懸念も指摘されてきた。
They are also a generation that mastered the skills needed in the age of information technology when they were still small, as the Internet and mobile phones have been available as long as they can remember.
物心がついた頃にはネットや携帯電話が既に登場しており、情報化時代のスキルを子供のうちから身に着けた世代でもある。
Seiko Holdings Corp., which has conducted questionnaire surveys among new adults every year, says this year’s new adults tend to pursue a down-to-earth lifestyle.
セイコーホールディングス社は毎年、新成人に対してアンケート調査を行っているが、それによると、今年の新成人は「堅実志向型」なのだという。
Asked what they place importance on, the largest number replied money. The largest number also said they want to spend more time studying. Of course, it is important to be down-to-earth like them, but we also hope they will have flexible mindsets and embrace challenges.
大切にしたいものとして「お金」、増やしたい時間として「勉強」を挙げた人が最も多かった。そうした堅実さはもちろん大切だが、新成人には、柔軟な発想とチャレンジ精神も求めたい。
Young entrepreneurs needed
Aya Ozeki, now 21, used \300,000 that she saved to start a business to establish a fashion company in Tokyo when she was still in her second year of high school.
例えば、現在２１歳の大関綾さんは、高校２年生の時に、起業のために貯(た)めていた３０万円を資本金として、東京都内にファッションの会社を設立した。
“I wanted to start a business when I could still capitalize on my youthful sensitivities,” she said.
「若い時の感性を生かせるうちに、起業したいと考えた」と話す。
Ozeki had a huge hit with her invention of a women’s necktie for businesswomen working actively in society, which nobody had conceived. She also developed a unique leather tie for men that is very easy to put on.
社会で活躍するビジネスウーマンのために、誰もが思いつかなかった女性用のネクタイを考案し、大ヒットとなった。男性ネクタイでも、装着しやすいユニークな革製の商品を開発した。
The government is developing a system to help young people start companies through subsidies and other means. We hope many young entrepreneurs like Ozeki will emerge from among the new adults.
政府も、補助金などによって、若者の起業を支援する体制を整えつつある。大関さんのような若い起業家が、新成人の中からも次々と出てくることを期待したい。
Japanese companies are facing fiercer-than-ever competition with both domestic and foreign rivals. If they are company employees, the new adults should clearly express their own ideas with the strong spirit to lead their companies.
日本の企業は、国内だけでなく海外からも、これまで以上の激しい競争にさらされている。会社員なら、会社を引っ張る気概を持って、自分自身の考えをはっきりと主張していくことが重要だ。
Whether they are members of the working world or still students, we hope they will set a rock-steady goal and improve themselves toward achieving it.
社会人であれ、学生であれ、しっかりと目標を立て、それに向かって自らを磨いてほしい。
By the time the new adults are 50, Japan is predicted to have transformed into a “piggyback” type of society, which means one working person will support one elderly person in a country with more elderly people and fewer children.
新成人が５０歳になる頃には、少子高齢化が一層進んで、現役世代１人の負担で高齢者１人の暮らしをまかなう「肩車型」の社会が到来するという。
However, it is the power of young people that will overcome the raging waves of the times, build a wealthy Japan and sustain the country’s future.
時代の荒波を乗り越えて、豊かな日本を築き、未来を支えていくのは、若い力である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2014)
（2014年1月13日01時31分 読売新聞）
New adults should combine realism with flexibility and entrepreneurship
成人の日 堅実さと柔軟な発想求めたい（1月13日付・読売社説）
Today is Coming-of-Age Day. We would like to celebrate the birth of 1.21 million new adults in Japan.
きょうは成人の日。１２１万人の新成人の門出を祝いたい。
We hope they will step forward strongly with keen awareness as adults.
大人としての自覚を胸に刻み、力強い一歩を踏み出してほしい。
They were born in 1993, when the Liberal Democratic Party-led government, which had held power since the merger of conservative parties in 1955, was replaced with a coalition government of non-LDP parties. Crown Prince and Princess Masako also married that year.
新成人が生まれた１９９３年には、５５年の保守合同以来続いた自民党政権に代わって、非自民の連立政権が誕生した。皇太子さまと雅子さまのご成婚もあった。
The years in which these young people grew up almost overlap the “two lost decades” when the Japanese economy faltered after the collapse of the asset-inflated bubble economy. There are concerns about a decline in their academic abilities because they received “cram-free education” from primary school to high school.
この若者たちが育った時期は、バブル経済が崩壊して、日本経済が低迷を続けた「失われた２０年」とほぼ重なる。小学校から高校までは、いわゆる「ゆとり教育」を受け、学力低下の懸念も指摘されてきた。
They are also a generation that mastered the skills needed in the age of information technology when they were still small, as the Internet and mobile phones have been available as long as they can remember.
物心がついた頃にはネットや携帯電話が既に登場しており、情報化時代のスキルを子供のうちから身に着けた世代でもある。
Seiko Holdings Corp., which has conducted questionnaire surveys among new adults every year, says this year’s new adults tend to pursue a down-to-earth lifestyle.
セイコーホールディングス社は毎年、新成人に対してアンケート調査を行っているが、それによると、今年の新成人は「堅実志向型」なのだという。
Asked what they place importance on, the largest number replied money. The largest number also said they want to spend more time studying. Of course, it is important to be down-to-earth like them, but we also hope they will have flexible mindsets and embrace challenges.
大切にしたいものとして「お金」、増やしたい時間として「勉強」を挙げた人が最も多かった。そうした堅実さはもちろん大切だが、新成人には、柔軟な発想とチャレンジ精神も求めたい。
Young entrepreneurs needed
Aya Ozeki, now 21, used \300,000 that she saved to start a business to establish a fashion company in Tokyo when she was still in her second year of high school.
例えば、現在２１歳の大関綾さんは、高校２年生の時に、起業のために貯(た)めていた３０万円を資本金として、東京都内にファッションの会社を設立した。
“I wanted to start a business when I could still capitalize on my youthful sensitivities,” she said.
「若い時の感性を生かせるうちに、起業したいと考えた」と話す。
Ozeki had a huge hit with her invention of a women’s necktie for businesswomen working actively in society, which nobody had conceived. She also developed a unique leather tie for men that is very easy to put on.
社会で活躍するビジネスウーマンのために、誰もが思いつかなかった女性用のネクタイを考案し、大ヒットとなった。男性ネクタイでも、装着しやすいユニークな革製の商品を開発した。
The government is developing a system to help young people start companies through subsidies and other means. We hope many young entrepreneurs like Ozeki will emerge from among the new adults.
政府も、補助金などによって、若者の起業を支援する体制を整えつつある。大関さんのような若い起業家が、新成人の中からも次々と出てくることを期待したい。
Japanese companies are facing fiercer-than-ever competition with both domestic and foreign rivals. If they are company employees, the new adults should clearly express their own ideas with the strong spirit to lead their companies.
日本の企業は、国内だけでなく海外からも、これまで以上の激しい競争にさらされている。会社員なら、会社を引っ張る気概を持って、自分自身の考えをはっきりと主張していくことが重要だ。
Whether they are members of the working world or still students, we hope they will set a rock-steady goal and improve themselves toward achieving it.
社会人であれ、学生であれ、しっかりと目標を立て、それに向かって自らを磨いてほしい。
By the time the new adults are 50, Japan is predicted to have transformed into a “piggyback” type of society, which means one working person will support one elderly person in a country with more elderly people and fewer children.
新成人が５０歳になる頃には、少子高齢化が一層進んで、現役世代１人の負担で高齢者１人の暮らしをまかなう「肩車型」の社会が到来するという。
However, it is the power of young people that will overcome the raging waves of the times, build a wealthy Japan and sustain the country’s future.
時代の荒波を乗り越えて、豊かな日本を築き、未来を支えていくのは、若い力である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2014)
（2014年1月13日01時31分 読売新聞）
2014年01月14日
道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 12, 2014
Moral education classes could enhance social norms of kids
道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか（1月12日付・読売社説）
It is important to cultivate from childhood the awareness to abide by the rules of society and show consideration to others. Therefore, it is crucial to improve moral education.
社会のルールを守る規範意識を涵養(かんよう)し、他人を思いやる気持ちを培うことは大切だ。子供たちに対する道徳教育の充実が欠かせない。
A report, compiled by an experts’ panel on moral education set up by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, calls for moral education, which is not a regular subject at primary and middle school levels, to be treated as a “special subject” to improve the teaching of such classes.
文部科学省の有識者会議が、正規の教科ではない小中学校の「道徳の時間」を「特別の教科」にして、授業のレベルアップを求める報告書をまとめた。
The experts’ panel examined the issue after the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under the prime minister, proposed in February that moral education should be made a regular subject as part of measures to prevent bullying at schools.
政府の教育再生実行会議が昨年２月にいじめ防止対策の一つとして教科化を提言し、それを踏まえて検討が重ねられてきた。
It is reasonable that the government aims to call on schools to realize how important moral education is by giving it the status of a regular subject, thus improving teaching methods.
教科としてきちんと位置付けることで、教育現場に道徳の重要性を再認識させ、指導の改善を図ろうとする方向性は妥当である。
Less value has been attached to moral education since the end of World War II in reaction to the moral education in prewar years that was propagated by nationalistic elements.
戦後の道徳教育は、国家主義的色合いが濃かったとされる戦前の「修身」へのアレルギーから、必要以上に軽視されがちだった。
Currently, one moral education class is offered per week. However, it is up to teachers to decide how to conduct such classes because there is no official textbook. There are differences among schools and teachers in regard to moral education classes.
現在、道徳の時間が週１コマ設けられているものの、教科書はなく、教え方は現場任せというのが実情だ。学校や教師によって、取り組み状況に差も見られる。
Some people have pointed out that moral education has lost substance, as some schools use slots designed for moral education to hold supplementary classes in other subjects.
他の教科の補習などに振り替えられているケースもあり、かねて形骸化が指摘されていた。
However, many problems must be worked out before moral education can be made a regular subject.
ただ、教科化を実現するにあたっては、課題が多い。
For instance, what kind of teaching materials should be used for moral education classes? The panel’s report called for the introduction of textbooks approved by the official screening system to provide teaching materials for such classes.
例えば、どのような教材を用いるかだ。報告書は、教材を安定的に供給する観点から、検定教科書の導入を提案した。
Forcing values on children
Strong criticism has been voiced about making moral education a regular subject, with some people saying it could lead to the government forcing certain values on children. The panel apparently aimed to dispel these concerns by proposing that private-sector companies should compile textbooks for moral education.
道徳の教科化に対しては、国による特定の価値観の押しつけにつながるとの批判が根強くある。民間の教科書会社に製作を委ねることにより、こうした懸念を払拭する目的もあるのだろう。
Innovative efforts by publishers on creating textbooks for moral education should be respected. However, to what extent should their products be approved if they are based on biased values or peculiar ideas?
だが、教科書会社の創意工夫を尊重するにしても、仮に、偏った価値観や特定の主義主張に基づく教科書が作られた場合、どこまで認めていくのか。
When working out standards for screening textbooks for moral education, education authorities should have in-depth discussions by coming up with various scenarios.
今後、具体的な検定基準を策定する際には、様々なケースを想定し、幅広い議論が求められる。
Moral education classes are supposed to be handled by homeroom teachers. This means that teacher-training programs at the university level and those for teachers offered by boards of education also should be reviewed. Teachers should be given access to appropriate methods for these classes.
道徳の授業は、学級担任の教師が担当することになる。それなら大学の教員養成課程や教育委員会の研修を見直す必要もあろう。教師が適切な指導方法を習得できるようにすべきだ。
Providing academic assessments for children’s achievements in moral education classes is difficult, as they focus on students’ psychological development.
道徳は子供の内面にかかわる分野だけに、成績評価が難しい。
It is understandable that the report proposed that children’s performances in moral education classes should be evaluated in written form, rather than numerical evaluations like Japanese, mathematics and other subjects.
報告書が、国語や算数・数学など通常の教科のような数値評価ではなく、学習の様子を記述式で評価する方法を検討するよう促したのはうなずける。
Education authorities are encouraged to come up with an evaluation method under which teachers can make detailed records on each student’s efforts and development during moral education classes, rather than deciding who performs better than others.
優劣をつけるのではなく、子供一人ひとりの努力や成長の足跡を丁寧に記録する。そんな評価の在り方を工夫したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2014)
（2014年1月12日01時15分 読売新聞）
Moral education classes could enhance social norms of kids
道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか（1月12日付・読売社説）
It is important to cultivate from childhood the awareness to abide by the rules of society and show consideration to others. Therefore, it is crucial to improve moral education.
社会のルールを守る規範意識を涵養(かんよう)し、他人を思いやる気持ちを培うことは大切だ。子供たちに対する道徳教育の充実が欠かせない。
A report, compiled by an experts’ panel on moral education set up by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, calls for moral education, which is not a regular subject at primary and middle school levels, to be treated as a “special subject” to improve the teaching of such classes.
文部科学省の有識者会議が、正規の教科ではない小中学校の「道徳の時間」を「特別の教科」にして、授業のレベルアップを求める報告書をまとめた。
The experts’ panel examined the issue after the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under the prime minister, proposed in February that moral education should be made a regular subject as part of measures to prevent bullying at schools.
政府の教育再生実行会議が昨年２月にいじめ防止対策の一つとして教科化を提言し、それを踏まえて検討が重ねられてきた。
It is reasonable that the government aims to call on schools to realize how important moral education is by giving it the status of a regular subject, thus improving teaching methods.
教科としてきちんと位置付けることで、教育現場に道徳の重要性を再認識させ、指導の改善を図ろうとする方向性は妥当である。
Less value has been attached to moral education since the end of World War II in reaction to the moral education in prewar years that was propagated by nationalistic elements.
戦後の道徳教育は、国家主義的色合いが濃かったとされる戦前の「修身」へのアレルギーから、必要以上に軽視されがちだった。
Currently, one moral education class is offered per week. However, it is up to teachers to decide how to conduct such classes because there is no official textbook. There are differences among schools and teachers in regard to moral education classes.
現在、道徳の時間が週１コマ設けられているものの、教科書はなく、教え方は現場任せというのが実情だ。学校や教師によって、取り組み状況に差も見られる。
Some people have pointed out that moral education has lost substance, as some schools use slots designed for moral education to hold supplementary classes in other subjects.
他の教科の補習などに振り替えられているケースもあり、かねて形骸化が指摘されていた。
However, many problems must be worked out before moral education can be made a regular subject.
ただ、教科化を実現するにあたっては、課題が多い。
For instance, what kind of teaching materials should be used for moral education classes? The panel’s report called for the introduction of textbooks approved by the official screening system to provide teaching materials for such classes.
例えば、どのような教材を用いるかだ。報告書は、教材を安定的に供給する観点から、検定教科書の導入を提案した。
Forcing values on children
Strong criticism has been voiced about making moral education a regular subject, with some people saying it could lead to the government forcing certain values on children. The panel apparently aimed to dispel these concerns by proposing that private-sector companies should compile textbooks for moral education.
道徳の教科化に対しては、国による特定の価値観の押しつけにつながるとの批判が根強くある。民間の教科書会社に製作を委ねることにより、こうした懸念を払拭する目的もあるのだろう。
Innovative efforts by publishers on creating textbooks for moral education should be respected. However, to what extent should their products be approved if they are based on biased values or peculiar ideas?
だが、教科書会社の創意工夫を尊重するにしても、仮に、偏った価値観や特定の主義主張に基づく教科書が作られた場合、どこまで認めていくのか。
When working out standards for screening textbooks for moral education, education authorities should have in-depth discussions by coming up with various scenarios.
今後、具体的な検定基準を策定する際には、様々なケースを想定し、幅広い議論が求められる。
Moral education classes are supposed to be handled by homeroom teachers. This means that teacher-training programs at the university level and those for teachers offered by boards of education also should be reviewed. Teachers should be given access to appropriate methods for these classes.
道徳の授業は、学級担任の教師が担当することになる。それなら大学の教員養成課程や教育委員会の研修を見直す必要もあろう。教師が適切な指導方法を習得できるようにすべきだ。
Providing academic assessments for children’s achievements in moral education classes is difficult, as they focus on students’ psychological development.
道徳は子供の内面にかかわる分野だけに、成績評価が難しい。
It is understandable that the report proposed that children’s performances in moral education classes should be evaluated in written form, rather than numerical evaluations like Japanese, mathematics and other subjects.
報告書が、国語や算数・数学など通常の教科のような数値評価ではなく、学習の様子を記述式で評価する方法を検討するよう促したのはうなずける。
Education authorities are encouraged to come up with an evaluation method under which teachers can make detailed records on each student’s efforts and development during moral education classes, rather than deciding who performs better than others.
優劣をつけるのではなく、子供一人ひとりの努力や成長の足跡を丁寧に記録する。そんな評価の在り方を工夫したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2014)
（2014年1月12日01時15分 読売新聞）
2014年01月13日
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 11, 2014
Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly.
日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel.
再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants.
高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store.
一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities.
規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity.
エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste.
そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium.
日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling.
こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling.
“Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.”
安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly.
政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community.
一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind.
規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014)
（2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly.
日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel.
再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants.
高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store.
一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities.
規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity.
エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste.
そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium.
日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling.
こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling.
“Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.”
安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly.
政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community.
一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind.
規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014)
（2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
2014年01月12日
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 9, 2014
U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential.
アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs.
しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April.
国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy
◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy.
オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye.
１０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power.
米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue.
アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress.
イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy.
米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans
◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October.
共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever.
オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down.
今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia.
だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential.
アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs.
しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April.
国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy
◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy.
オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye.
１０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power.
米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue.
アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress.
イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy.
米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans
◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October.
共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever.
オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down.
今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia.
だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
2014年01月10日
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 8, 2014
Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes.
社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems.
今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile.
急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person.
約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay
◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations.
増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability.
消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums.
増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike.
一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect.
ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions.
安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate.
特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services.
医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need.
複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them.
医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers.
健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers.
１６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication.
当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services.
現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。
Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes.
社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems.
今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile.
急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person.
約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay
◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations.
増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability.
消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums.
増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike.
一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect.
ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions.
安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate.
特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services.
医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need.
複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them.
医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers.
健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers.
１６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication.
当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services.
現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。